Finding gifts for beekeepers can be tricky. Having a bee-lover in your life can make gift-giving season easier in some ways because you know what their passion is and can almost guarantee that something bee themed will be a hit. This can help to narrow down your gift search while also showing that you know the person and care about their interests.
On the other hand, if you yourself don't know anything about bees, then picking the right gift can be a daunting task. You may not be sure what items they have, what items they want, where to find them, how much they cost, or other critical information. Fortunately, this article is here to help. We've scoured the internet for the best in all bee-themed gifts, from apparel to household items, to beekeeping equipment and apiary supplies, foodstuff, experiences, and some outside-the-hive ideas you may have never even considered.
Gifts for Beekeepers FAQs
Are these gifts for professional beekeepers?
What types of occasions are these gifts appropriate for?
Where can I find gifts for beekeepers?
How We Reviewed
Our team has scoured the web for the best bee-themed presents, tools, and activities for you to give to the beekeeper in your life. We looked at the pros and cons of each potential gift, where you can find it, and warranty options. Most importantly we looked at who the gift is right for.
Who We Reviewed
Features
As the name implies, The Beekeeper's Bible is a must have for any apiarist, making it one of the top gifts for beekeepers. It is full of recipes, advice, history and other fundamentals of the craft.
It may be slightly better suited toward newer keepers than veterans, if only because the longer someone has been actively beekeeping, the more likely they are to have a copy already. If they don't own one yet, even the most seasoned of keepers will be able to find new facts and tips in the bible.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy?
Amazon features both new and used versions from a variety of sellers. Other retailers include Barnes and Noble, Target, and various online bookstores.
Features
This handy little spray can help to lure bee swarms to wherever the "commander" wants. It contains a combination of essential oils that act similarly to natural bee pheromones, attracting bees to its scent.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy?
Swarm Commander is sold through Amazon, Mann Lake, and through their own website. It is also available through a number of peer-to-peer retail sites like eBay.
Features
Tending the apiary can be exhausting work, and this clever mug is a cute way to refuel with coffee, tea, or whatever beverage you choose. This mug is durable and 100% microwave safe. You can even pair the mug with honey lavender tea for stress relief (available from Yogi Tea on Amazon). The seller, Candid Awe, offers mugs in a variety of themes, so while you are browsing you may find a gift for a friend with a different hobby.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy?
The "Don't Worry, Bee Happy" mug is available on Amazon from the seller Candid Awe.
Features
All keepers can use an extra suit. Not only can theirs get dirty, used, and beat up, but it also never hurts to have extras around for when company comes over. Keepers get to take their friends and family out to see the bees while also keeping them safe and comfortable.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy?
Amazon carries more than a dozen different suit options, and specialty shops like Glory Bee and Mann Lake also carry a variety of options.
Features
Of course, every bee lover also loves honey, but these connoisseurs can be picky, and you don't want to give them any old grocery store honey. Instead, the Bee Raw Honey Flight allows you to choose nine varieties of different kinds of honey from their list of over twenty unique honey options.
Flavors include Washington Buckwheat, Maine Blueberry, Oregon Maple Blossom and more. The honey is meticulously handcrafted by Bee Raw and beautifully packaged in unique vials and an oak box that makes for a truly beautiful gift presentation.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy?
The Nine Varietal Honey Flight is available exclusively through the Bee Raw website.
Donate to a Bee-related Charity in Their Name
Features
During giving seasons, many people selflessly like to request that instead of giving material gifts, friends make donations to charity in their name. If you want to honor this request while still showing the recipient that you know them and care about their interests, consider donating to one of the many charity or non-profit organizations that support bees and bee-related causes.
There are actually hundreds of different organizations that accept donations to promote bee welfare--from environmental advocacy groups to responsible honey farming advocates, sanctuaries, research groups and more. This includes larger groups like Greenpeace and the Environmental Justice Foundation, as well as smaller, more bee-specific groups like Avaaz, Friends of Honeybees, or the Center for Honeybee Research.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy?
Visit the websites of any of the organizations above or search for your own bee-related charity. There are literally hundreds, so picking the right one can be daunting. If this worries you, consider picking a cause local to the receiver, or go with a larger name that you know and trust.
Features
Custom T-Shirt platform Spreadshirt features a wide variety of shirts from multiple designers, and they have hundreds of beekeeping-related shirts. While that may seem like a lot of shirts, you truly have no idea before you begin scrolling through their wide selection of T's. The variety in colors, styles, and senses of humor allow the gift giver to find a shirt that is exactly right for the recipient's sensibilities.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy?
All shirts are available in the Spreadshirt online store.
Features
The Beekeeper's Journal is a helpful companion for any beekeeper, allowing them to chart their progress, record their thoughts, and ensure that they have a record that they can reference later on. It includes helpful tips, quotes, and beautiful illustrations that can enhance the experience and keep keepers motivated.
Pros
Cons
Coupons and Deals
A dollar and fifty cent coupon is available at checkout on Amazon.
Where to Buy?
Amazon carries new copies of The Beekeeper's Journal. Plus, it provides links to several outlets that carry used copies.
Features
For the special person in your life who has always wanted to get into beekeeping, this complete starter kit will give them all the equipment they need. It contains one painted frame and ten wooden frames to start building your hive. It also includes gear such as protective leather gloves and a bee veil. Don't worry, it comes completely assembled and is suitable for those that struggle with Ikea furniture.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy?
The Basic Beekeeping Starter Kit is available through U.S. based brand Mann Lake. You can purchase the kit on their website or on Amazon from a variety of sellers.
Warranty
A manufacturer's warranty is available upon request.
Coupons and Deals
The kit comes with free shipping on Amazon.
Help in the Apiary
Features
Not all gifts for beekeepers cost money. The gift that most people really want is quality time with their loved ones, and the gift that many beekeepers really need is another pair of hands. Instead of buying something for your apiarist, consider donating a specific number of hours of your personal labor for them to do with as they please.
This solution is not only free but has the added benefit of helping to bring you and your beekeeper closer. You get to spend time together while enjoying their interest with them. Watch out, though: You may start to love beekeeping too!
Pros
Cons
Comparison Table
Product | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
The Beekeeper's Bible | |||
Swarm Commander Spray Lure | No products found. | ||
"Don't Worry Bee Happy" Mug | |||
Beekeeper's Suit | No products found. | ||
Bee Raw Honey Flight | |||
Donate to a Bee-related Charity in Their Name | n/a | ||
Beekeeper-Themed Shirts | |||
The Beekeeper's Journal | |||
The Basic Beekeeping Starter Kit | |||
Help in the Apiary | Free |
The Verdict
This article can't tell you which of these items is the right gift for your special apiarist; it can only give you a variety of potential gifts for beekeepers that are suitable for a range of budgets, experience levels, and personal styles. Simple gifts such as mugs and t-shirts are suitable for any level of beekeeper. Other gifts such as the honey flight and beekeeping suit require a little more knowledge of the recipient's tastes. Pick the one that shows the recipient that you not only care about them but that you care about their interests and passions. BEE creative!